Electromagnetic Scroll Wheel Module for Precision Positioning

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional mice experience uncomfortable hand feel and inaccurate positioning due to the scroll wheel, making them inconvenient for tasks like drawing and gaming.

Innovation Solution

A mouse with an electromagnetic module that includes a metal inner ratchet, electromagnet, and control element, allowing for continuous-ratcheting and free-spinning scroll modes, ensuring accurate positioning and extended usage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a conventional scroll wheel is used, then the mouse structure is simple, but the hand feel is uncomfortable and positioning is inaccurate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehand feel and positioning accuracyVSAvoidmouse structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the conventional mechanical scroll wheel mechanism with an electromagnetic module that uses electromagnetic fields to drive the scroll function. The electromagnetic module includes an electromagnet that interacts with a metal inner ratchet to provide controlled scrolling motion, eliminating the need for complex mechanical linkages and improving both hand feel and positioning accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a control element that can adjust the electromagnetic field parameters to switch between different scrolling modes (ratcheting mode and free-spinning mode). This allows dynamic control of the scroll wheel's behavior based on scrolling speed, providing optimal hand feel and positioning accuracy for different usage scenarios.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Measurement precision

If a conventional scroll wheel is used, then the device is simple, but positioning accuracy is poor for drawing and gaming

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositioning accuracyVSAvoidscroll mechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the conventional mechanical encoder-based scroll wheel with an electromagnetic system that provides more precise control over scroll motion. The electromagnetic module enables finer control of the scroll wheel's movement, achieving superior positioning accuracy for precise tasks like drawing and gaming.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent incorporates a rotational speed sensing element that detects the scroll wheel's rotation speed and provides feedback to the control element. This feedback mechanism enables the system to adjust the electromagnetic field parameters in real-time to maintain precise positioning control, switching between ratcheting and free-spinning modes based on detected rotation characteristics.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Manufacturing precision

If an electromagnetic module with ratcheting mechanism is added, then scrolling accuracy is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvescrolling precisionVSAvoidelectromagnetic module complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the electromagnetic drive mechanism with the existing scroll wheel structure by integrating the electromagnet, metal inner ratchet, and control element into a unified electromagnetic module that works together with the scroll wheel housing and supporting components, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining high scrolling precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The electromagnetic module is designed to perform multiple functions: it provides both the scroll driving mechanism and the positioning control, and can operate in multiple modes (ratcheting and free-spinning) depending on the control element's instructions. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components for each function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The electromagnetic module provides a comfortable and accurate scrolling experience, enabling precise control and prolonged usage by maintaining alignment and switching between ratcheting and free-spinning modes based on scrolling speed.

Implementation Method 1

The electromagnet is mounted on the free section and is arranged corresponding to the metal inner ratchet. The control element drives the electromagnet to generate a magnetic field, so that the electromagnet generates a magnetic attraction force to the metal inner ratchet

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnet: Electromagnet

Implementation Method 2

The control element drives the electromagnet to generate a magnetic field, so that the electromagnet generates a magnetic attraction force to the metal inner ratchet

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic field: Magnetic Field

Implementation Method 3

the electromagnet generates a magnetic attraction force to the metal inner ratchet, and the electromagnet and the metal inner ratchet can engage with each other

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic attraction force: Magnetism

Data Source

PatentUS10444872B2Mouse with electromagnetic module
Publication Date: 2019.10.15 PRIMAX ELECTRONICS LTD
  • US10444872B2 patent drawing
  • US10444872B2 patent drawing
  • US10444872B2 patent drawing

AI summary

The present invention provides a mouse with an electromagnetic module, including: a mouse body, a scroll wheel and an electromagnetic module. The scroll wheel is mounted in the mouse body, and the scroll wheel is provided with a mounting area. The electromagnetic module is mounted in the mouse body. The electromagnetic module includes: a metal inner ratchet, a connecting piece, an electromagnet, and a control element. The metal inner ratchet is fastened in the mounting area. The connecting piece includes a connecting section and a free section. The connecting section is connected to the mouse body, and the free section passes through the mounting area. The electromagnet is mounted on the free section. The control element is electrically connected to the electromagnet. In this way, an effect of continuous-ratcheting is achieved.